Drayage

Drayage refers to the short-distance transport of shipping containers—typically by truck—as part of a longer, intermodal supply chain. 

It serves as the crucial link between modes of transportation, such as moving a container from a port to a nearby warehouse, rail yard, distribution center, or container yard. The term originates from “dray,” a horse-drawn cart historically used to move heavy loads over short distances.

In modern logistics, drayage ensures containers flow smoothly through ports and rail terminals so freight can continue its journey by truck, rail, air, or ocean vessel.

Key Characteristics of Drayage

Short Distance

Drayage moves are usually within 25–50 miles of a port or railyard. Their purpose is speed and proximity, not long-haul transportation.

Part of an Intermodal Shipment

Drayage acts as the transfer step between modes—sea → truck, rail → truck, truck → rail, etc. It is rarely a standalone service.

Containerized Cargo

Drayage almost always involves ISO shipping containers, including 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot units, as well as refrigerated containers (reefers) and high cubes.

Time-Sensitive

Port drayage often involves coordinating with terminal schedules, demurrage deadlines, chassis availability, and free-time limitations.

Specialized Equipment

Drayage carriers use chassis, specialized tractors, and, in some regions, reefer plug-in stations for temperature-controlled containers.

Common Drayage Routes

Drayage connects key points in the logistics network:

• Port → Warehouse / Distribution Center
  Moving containers to local facilities for unloading or storage.
  
• Port → Rail Terminal (Rail Ramp)
  Transferring containers for long-haul rail transport.
  
• Rail Yard → Distribution Center
  Moving rail containers to DCs for deconsolidation.
  
• Port → Container Yard (CY)
  Shifting containers for staging or temporary storage.
  
• Warehouse → Port
  Delivering export-loaded containers back to the terminal.

Types of Drayage Services

Drayage Type	Description
Port Drayage	Moves containers between marine terminals and local facilities.
Rail Drayage	Transfers containers between rail ramps and warehouses/DCs.
Intermodal Drayage	Bridges different transportation modes within a multimodal move.
Expedited Drayage	Time-critical drayage with priority scheduling.
Door-to-Door Drayage	Delivers loaded containers directly to the final recipient.
Reefer Drayage	Handling refrigerated containers requiring temperature control.

What Makes Drayage Essential in Logistics?

• Keeps Freight Flowing: Drayage clears terminals quickly, preventing congestion and demurrage fees.
  
• Enables Intermodal Transport: Containers must move between ships, rail, and trucks—drayage makes that possible.
  
• Supports Just-in-Time (JIT) Operations: Manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce brands depend on fast drayage to replenish inventory.
  
• Improves Supply Chain Efficiency: By staging containers closer to their final processing or distribution points.

Street Turns & Other Drayage Terms

• Street Turn: A drayage move where an empty container is delivered directly to a new exporter or importer without returning it to the port. This saves time, reduces congestion, and minimizes unnecessary mileage.
• Demurrage: Fees charged when containers sit too long inside the port terminal.
• Detention: Fees incurred when containers or chassis are kept outside the terminal beyond free time.
• Chassis Split: When the chassis needed for a container pickup is stored at a different location, requiring an additional move.
  

Example of Drayage in Action

A container arrives at the Port of Savannah. A drayage carrier pulls the container from the terminal, hauls it 14 miles to a nearby distribution center, and drops it for unloading. Once emptied, the container is street-turned directly to a local exporter loading goods for Asia—saving a full trip back to the port.

Drayage vs Long-Haul Trucking

Drayage	Long-Haul Trucking
Short distance (usually under 50 miles)	Long distance (hundreds to thousands of miles)
Connects ports/rails to nearby facilities	Moves freight across states or regions
Time-sensitive due to port scheduling	Focuses on transit time and route planning
Specialized container equipment required	Standard trailers used (dry van, reefer, flatbed)
Part of intermodal transport	Standalone transportation mode

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